His work became so impactful, a property developer recently told him about the increase in the property value in Geylang, thanks to its improving reputation.

"It thought it was quite funny and interesting to see how the reputation of a space directly affects the property value," said the events and tourism graduate from Murdoch University.

Four years and three walking tours later, Yinzhou is in the running for the Singapore Youth Award 2017, the nation's highest accolade for youths who inspire and enrich the community.

Yinzhou is also the youngest finalist in this year's Singapore Youth Award.

PHOTO CREDIT: NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL

Growing up in Geylang, alongside sex workers as his neighbours, taught Yinzhou to empathise with their situation and form friendships – something he wishes more Singaporeans would do.

"I grew up in the lorongs of Geylang where raids and fights were common. My neighbours were sex workers, so at a young age, I had the chance to talk to them and learn about the sacrifices they made to end up here."

"I saw a side of them most people don't."

After his unexpected success with Geylang Adventures, Yinzhou created Dakota Adventures in early 2016, to raise awareness about the estate's historical significance and the social impacts of its relocation on residents.

Built in 1958, Dakota Crescent is one of Singapore's oldest HDB estates. To make way for new developmental plans, its elderly residents have since relocated the sprawling estate.

Participants of the walking tours are usually consists of
youths or working adults interested in history.

PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTH.SG/MARK ONG

Yinzhou has taken dozens of people for walks across Dakota Crescent
to the newly built Block 52 Cassia Crescent, which houses former Dakota residents.

PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTH.SG/MARK ONG

The quiet Dakota Crescent estate held many personal and fond memories for Yinzhou.

"My late grandmother stayed in Dakota Crescent. For me, this is a personal journey of understanding her as well. I knew she had stayed in the estate for a long time, but until she passed away, I never knew how much the estate meant to her," he shared softly.

"She was fortunate enough to have children and family to take care of her. But what about someone in a rental flat, with no family?"

Concerned about the elderly residents' well-being, Yinzhou decided to help them in the one way he knew best.

"We went in with the concept of Back-alley Barbers, giving free haircuts to the elderly," said Yinzhou, who practiced cutting his own hair for six months before helping others.

"Haircuts are a great way to interact with someone because it's very intimate," said Yinzhou.

PHOTO CREDIT: CAI YINZHOU

Interacting with the former residents of Dakota Crescent over free haircuts moved him to invite them for his guided tours.

"We found it interesting that all of them had shared stories. They all knew which businesses used to be here, what food could be found where, and even what the land conditions were like in the '60s," said Yinzhou, who is working full-time on his walking tours.

The architecture of Dakota's low rise flats make you feel like you have travelled back in time.

PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTH.SG/MARK ONG

What else does Yinzhou hope to achieve through Dakota Adventures?

"The bigger picture is that Dakota represents what Singapore would be like in the future, when we have 60 per cent elderly people and not enough safety nets to catch everyone," Yinzhou said matter-of-factly.

As Yinzhou puts it: "We will not have another Dakota Crescent, but we will have a lot more relocation programmes."

After the relocation, Dakota Adventures rebranded itself as the Cassia Resettlement Team.
They meet up with the residents regularly to see how they are doing.

PHOTO CREDIT: DAKOTA ADVENTURES

How does he find the time to run all three walking tours?
Yinzhou, who used to work as an event planner, joked: "I don't have a life. All these projects are what I do full-time. It is my life."

And how does he get by?

"Our events are not the ones we make profit from. Our main profits come from the tours. I definitely don't earn as much as my peers do," shared Yinzhou, whose tours are priced at $35 each.

His busy schedule didn't stop him from setting up his third project, Little India Adventures with his girlfriend, Say XiangYu, who is in her twenties, in June this year. The new tour gives participants an insider view of the lesser known spaces, communities and conflicts in Little India.

"The secret is to find someone as equally busy as you," he quipped.

PHOTO CREDIT: CAI YINZHOU

Ultimately, Yinzhou hopes that his projects will one day expand to become a profitable social enterprise where companies can collaborate with him to fulfil their corporate social responsibility.

"All my initiatives are either supposed to scale up, or die a natural death. My passion is refuelled whenever I meet people who have benefitted from what I've shared, or whenever my initiatives are able to enact change in the people I serve," said Yinzhou.

During the tour, Yinzhou often stopped for a little show-and-tell about the neighbourhood.

PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTH.SG/MARK ONG

But he might take things slowly next year.

"I want to stop and reflect on what I've been doing, so I'm going to take the coming year to do that. Maybe I'll take my masters or go on a leadership developmental journey? Life is a constant move," he shared.

If you ever find yourself at the cusp of starting an initiative, consider this piece of advice from Yinzhou.

"Always remain accountable to the people. If you start something, make sure you're willing to go in for the long run.

"At the same time, don't be afraid to let go if your initiative is no longer effective," said Yinzhou.

By Writer

Comments

cindy dupont

30 January 201808:07 PM

Nice information, many thanks to the author. It is incomprehensible to me now, but in general, the usefulness and significance is overwhelming. Thanks again and good luck!!!
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